Definition of Cyber Security
As suggested by its name, Cyber Security is a process to secure the cyber aka the internet.
Cyber Security is the amalgamation of the technologies, tools, processes, and practices to secure the data, networks, programs, and devices from damage, attack, and unauthorized access.
The aim of introducing cyber security is to get a good protection environment for servers, computers, networks, devices, and the stored data from hackers with malicious intent. Cyber-attacks may be meant to stimulate, erase, or embezzle a company’s or customer’s sensitive data — making cyber security a must.
Types of Cyber Security
Following are the types of cyber security:
Information Security
To protect organizational data and sensitive information from hackers.
Network security
To protect the network from unauthorized users, access, and attacks.
Cloud security
Cloud computing is the new norm today. Cloud Security makes sure to protect files on “the cloud” and provide a 100% secure online environment to manage large files of data.
Mobile security
It involves combatting all types of mobile and tablet security challenges to secure the phone from getting compromised.
Application security
Continuous testing and updates to ensure applications are secured from cyber attacks.
Database and infrastructure security
To protect databases, physical equipments, and frameworks.
Endpoint security
Covid-19 has proved that remote working is the future of our world. Endpoint security stops remote access from becoming a weak point for data and protects the company’s network.
Why Cyber Security is Important
With the emergence of technology that creates new avenues for cyber-attacks, cyber security is a constantly evolving area. In addition, while the big security breaches are those that are frequently reported, small businesses still have to deal with cyber security incidents, as they may often be the victim of malware and phishing.
Cyber security is critical because unprecedented quantities of data on computers and other devices are collected, processed and stored by medical, government, financial, military, corporate, and private organizations. Classified data, including intellectual property, private details, financial data, or other forms of data for which unauthorised access or disclosure may have detrimental implications.
In the course of doing business, companies transfer confidential data through servers and other devices, and cyber security determines the vital to protecting that data and the systems used to store and process it. As the volume and complexity of cyber attacks increases, organisations need to take measures to protect their confidential information, especially those entrusted with protecting information related to national security, health or financial records.
This is why companies and facilities should incorporate cybersecurity policy, training, tools, risk management methods, and continually upgrade frameworks as technologies adapt and develop in order to protect the personal and organisational information.
What are Cyber Security Threats
A malicious attack that attempts to harm data, steal information or disturb digital life is a cyber threat. Malicious software, Denial of Service attacks, data hacks, and other assault vectors are the common types of cyber threats.
Cyber threats often refer to the likelihood of a widespread cyberattack aimed at obtaining unauthorized access to the information technology assets, computer networks, intellectual property, or some other form of confidential information, damaging, disrupting, or stealing it.
Types of Cyber Security Threats
A daunting challenge is the means of managing with emerging technology, security developments and threat intelligence. However, it is crucial to protect data, applications, and frameworks from cyber attacks, which take several forms. Here are the common cyber security threats:
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of cyber threat that encrypts or locks the data until and unless a ransom is paid.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are cyber threats used to obtain personal and critical data such as credit card information, passwords, and pins via disguised phone call, text message, or email.
Social engineering
Psychological exploitation of people in order to gain sensitive data.
Malware
It is the attack via malicious software including but not limited to computer viruses, Trojan horses, keyloggers, and spyware.
Advanced Persistent Threat
An intrusion in which an unauthorized user achieves access to a device or server and stays there without being discovered for a prolonged period of time.
How to Prevent Cyber Security Threats from Happening
Cybersecurity threats impact any business and are not necessarily under the direct control of the Information Security department. Growing worldwide networking, cloud service use, and outsourcing implies a much greater vector of threat. 3rd party and 4th party risks are on the rise, making risk management by third parties, cyber security risk management, and vendor risk management even critical to reducing the risk of a data breach by 3rd parties.
To prevent your organization from cyber threats, you need to understand and adapt the practices and policies advised by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Here are a few best practices to ensure a healthy cyber security business environment:
- Create and implement a foolproof cyber security policy within your organization and follow it religiously
- Train your employees with the best cyber security awareness programs, equipped them with the latest tools, and carry out quarterly assessments to build the required skills in your staff
- Carry out continuous software updates and always run the tests to make sure all the software, applications, and frameworks are threat-free
- Risk assessment and management is a necessary way to address the potential risks by taking the necessary measurements and ensure the organization against those threats
- Make it a habit in your organization to report and respond to incidents in a timely manner
Correctly enforced intelligence on cyber attacks offers insights into cyber threats and facilitates a more practical approach that is quicker and effective. It may assist policy makers in defining appropriate cyber security risks, infrastructure and personnel controls and budget limitations, and facilitate incident response as well as post-incident response planning.